PAHO Calls for End to Violence against Women

November 22 2006 - "Today, another woman dies, today another woman cries, today another woman's life is jeopardized by domestic violence, today we must stand together because our own sisters are in danger and have been in danger too long. Domestic violence affects a woman at the core of her human dignity, which is so essential to who we are and who we can become." These powerful words were uttered by the Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne before naming Jerry Rivera, a well known Salsa Singer, a PAHO Champion of Health during an observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Violence against women is a major public health problem as injuries sustained by women and young girls because of physical and sexual abuse may be extremely serious, increasing their risk of poor health. Dr. Alberto Concha-Eastman, PAHO regional advisor for violence prevention, described violence against women as a violation of human rights and "a nightmare that compromises development." He said the problem not only cause an enormous public health toll, but also impedes social and economic development by preventing victims from contributing fully to their communities and societies. "The physical, mental, and social consequences of this problem are enormous," while noting that there are laudable efforts to stem domestic violence in the region, but the burden of domestic violence on public health systems in the PAHO region is not yet matched by the response to the problem."

Approximately one in three women in Latin America and the Caribbean has been a victim of sexual, physical, or psychological violence at the hands of their partners, according to survey data collected by PAHO. Surveillance data from the Ministry of Health in 2005 shows that in Belize, of the total number of reported cases, 53 percent of women say they have survived physical violence, while 12 percent have experienced sexual violence.

"The third Millennium Development Goal, which aims to achieve equality between men and women, is crucial to all the other goals," said Dr. Mercedes Juárez, of the Gender and Health Unit of PAHO. "Only with gender equality can a woman be in a position to choose whether to have sex, be free to use protection, be free to protect her own health, and be free to direct her own life." Etienne agreed, indicating that "countries cannot achieve the Millennium Development Goals that we talk so much about if women are not allowed the opportunity to grow into what they might become."

Singer Jerry Rivera today joined forces with the PAHO to launch a new public service campaign to raise awareness of violence against women and of the need to end the widespread problem in the Americas and around the world. PAHO named Rivera a Champion of Health for his efforts to end domestic violence through his music and messages. Rivera, with his sister Saned, composed and recorded the song "Rivers of Pain," which depicts a woman's escape from domestic violence.
The Pan American Health Organization was established in 1902 and is the world's oldest international public health organization. It serves as the regional office of the World Health Organization and works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their peoples.

For more information contact Ms. Sandra Jones at the PAHO/WHO Country Office in Belize.